Chapter 25 #2
Laird came up with the first number he had managed to find when he was counting the diapers, and he was relieved because every subsequent count had come up differently, but it was really a good thing to know he had been right the first time.
“Good deal. Now can we do the covers?” Another contraction ripped through him, and he breathed in through his nose, not through his mouth.
“We can do anything you need, babe.” Laird dutifully counted covers and dusted all of the furniture and paintings, and finally moved on to their room where he decided they needed to move the bassinet.
He had a little snack, and he pottered around for a while.
Laird made him sit often and put his feet up.
At some point he put more clothes on, but by the time he was ready to go to the birth center, several hours had passed.
Laird had called his dad over to help watch the animals, and they’d talked to Devon’s parents too.
“I think I’m ready,” he told Laird, leaning on his husband’s arm.
“Good deal. Your bag’s in the car, so all we have to do is text Raven and let him know we’re coming.”
He grinned at Laird. “Well, it’s not like I don’t have the keys. I told him the same thing.”
“I know, but I still would like him to be there.” Laird bent down to kiss his nose. “You’ve done everything in one day, you know that?”
“What does that even mean?” He blinked, not sure he understood.
“I just mean, you had no signs or symptoms and all of a sudden you broke your water, you’re having contractions, you’re nesting, you’re cleaning, you’re worrying about things not being ready for the baby… You’re doing all the things.”
“Well, I’ve just been waiting for this little one to catch up and make it so I needed to do all the things, I guess.
Who knows. This is totally your son.” He blew out a breath because that contraction was sharp.
All his muscles rippled and he grimaced with the pain of it because, God, that was horrifying.
He would never downplay somebody when they were talking about contractions ever again.
Not that he tried to downplay his clients, because that was unprofessional as well as rude as fuck.
Laird led him out to the car and eased him into the passenger seat, which took more effort than he would have thought. He was sweating by the time it was done, and he was glad that once he got to the birthing center, he would be able to settle in and just sort of do the work of having this baby.
“You all right?” Laird got them moving, and he nodded, breathing in and out in an attempt not to let nausea take him over. Even after the morning sickness had passed, being in the car had made him a little queasy.
“I’m okay.” He waved a hand. “Let’s just get there, yeah?”
“Sure, babe. I’m on it.” Laird drove pretty sedately, which was nice because that way he didn’t feel like he was going to barf, and they arrived at the birth center just about the same time as Raven pulled up.
Raven took one look at him and raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think it’s going to take quite as long as you think, is it?”
“Hey, I managed to waste several hours.” He tried for a grin, but he was almost doubled over with the strength of that last contraction.
“Well, come on, let’s get you inside, and maybe we’ll zonk you in the tub for a little while or something.
” Raven led them inside, and Laird helped him with an arm around his waist so he had something to lean on.
That was perfect because with his muscles rippling like they were, he was kind of shuffling forward with an odd gait.
He actually felt super relieved when they got inside the birth center because this was where he needed to be and he knew it.
He needed to have the stool and the bathtub and all of the things that would just make him feel more comfortable now.
Devon felt super proud because this was an amazing place, and now he knew it from both sides.
It wasn’t just because he was a proud owner.
It was good to be the owner, too, because he could just be. He could pick the room that was his favorite, and when he walked in, it had all been set up the way he wanted it, which meant Raven must have come out and arranged everything for him already.
He did have the best friends.
The lights were turned down to low, the blue room cozy with its low sofa, pillows and blankets around, even a stuffed koala to hold.
That would be the first present his baby got to take home. His eyes filled a little with the idea.
His music was playing, it was just perfect, and he had to admit he was ready.
“What do you need me to do?” Laird kissed his cheek.
“I need a glass of Sprite with a splash of orange juice with the crushed ice, please.”
“I’m on it.” Laird hurried out, and Raven chuckled softly.
“I take it he’s been helpful.”
“Yes. He just needed a minute for his brain to go back online. I knew it would.”
“Yeah, Ben offered to go turn him upside down and shake him good and hard if he needed to.”
They both had a good laugh at that. “Can I check you over before you get in the tub?” Raven smiled at him, the expression one he’d seen so often.
That was one of their driving ideals—this was not their experience. They asked for access, they gave advice, but they allowed their clients to have their own birth experience.
Within medical reason, of course.
Devon nodded and pulled his shirt up and his pants down so Raven could see his birth line.
Raven bent down. “Okay, you’re going to feel a touch—”
“Raven, I know the drill. Be my friend here, huh?”
“Right. Habit.” Raven’s hands were warm, soothing. “Oh, buddy, you’ve been doing some work at home. Good for you.”
Devon wiggled his eyebrows. “I’m a good student.”
“You are. I don’t know if you’re going to spend a lot of time in the tub. You could probably—” Raven stopped and smiled. “Well, you know how to use all of the equipment in here. So, I’ll let you do your thing, and I’m here for the assist.”
He stepped out of his pants because they were just going to be in the way and they were irritating him anyway.
“I have your drink, love. I found your favorite cup in your office. How’s the temperature?” The best part about this is that Laird had been very well trained, and he knew exactly how Devon wanted things.
Devon took a sip, letting the sharp and fizzy drink soothe all the crap from the drive. “Yum. It’s perfect.”
And it was. And suddenly, he was ready to do this.